(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Job Numbers

Prince Albert & North Sask. see no job growth in 2023

Jan 6, 2024 | 8:00 AM

There was little to no job growth in Prince Albert and Northern Saskatchewan in 2023.

That’s according to Statistics Canada which released its last monthly update for the year on Friday.

It shows that the region ended 2023 with roughly 98,900 people with jobs, which happens to be the same number when 2022 ended with. Statistics Canada doesn’t say what the exact number is, only that the two years are within less than 100 jobs of each other.

Despite similar numbers, some sectors had strong years while others struggled.

The wholesale and retail trade sector added the most employees, around 4,500 workers. Nearly 20 per cent of employed people in the region work in this sector, by far the most among all the sectors.

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Other sectors that increased their employment numbers include public administration, information, culture and recreation, professional, scientific and technical services, construction, and educational services.

The agriculture sector had the toughest year, losing about 2,300 workers. Most people currently working in the industry wouldn’t be surprised if you told them this. Many have been struggling to fill positions for years. The biggest problems appear to be a lack of qualified people and little interest from younger generations.

The forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas sector also lost about 2,200 workers, followed by health care and social assistance sector which saw its workforce shrink by 1,700.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @princealbertnow